Soccer offices are like a chess game. Every move is measured, every silence has a meaning.
No one can afford to close doors prematurely, especially a sporting director at FC Barcelona like Deco, who knows exactly how the board works. Prudence, in this case, was his best move.
The blaugrana executive received a question a few weeks ago that caught him by surprise. It came from Brazil, from a circle very close to Vinícius Júnior.
It wasn't just any question. It was one of those ticking time bombs that can change a club's outlook: "Would you be interested in Vinícius in 2027?"
The uncomfortable question that came from Brazil
Under normal circumstances, no one at Barça would consider such a move. Vinícius represents, as of today, the public face of Real Madrid.
He is one of Florentino Pérez's franchise players and one of the club's major investments. But in soccer, nothing is eternal.
Vinícius's contract ends in 2027. Meanwhile, for months now, there has been a certain tension between the player and the club's circle.
His commitment has been called into question, his performance has dropped, and Mbappé's arrival has pushed him out of the spotlight. In this context, the idea of a future away from Bernabéu is starting to sound less far-fetched.
Deco didn't answer with a yes or a no. He simply listened and took note. As a good sporting director, he knows everything can change in two years.
Even though Barça currently has Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Rashford in that position, nothing can be ruled out.
Vinícius, further and further from Real Madrid
The relationship between the Brazilian and Real Madrid is no longer what it used to be. The club's decisions haven't always matched Vini's status, and the player himself knows it. Mbappé's signing has triggered a domino effect, pushing Vinícius out of his natural area and reducing his prominence.
On top of that, if he doesn't renew before 2026, Real Madrid would be forced to negotiate his departure to avoid losing him for free. Just as happened with Mbappé and PSG. In that case, Vinícius would have the power to choose his destination.
The mere possibility of seeing him in a Barça jersey is hard to imagine today. But if the market teaches anything, it's that nothing is impossible. Deco knows it, and even though he hasn't made a move, the seed has already been planted.